Top Tent Camping near Mcdowell, VA
Searching for a tent camping spot near Mcdowell? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Mcdowell, VA (33)
1. Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area
11 Reviews•6 Photos•405 SavesBraley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this universally accessible area perfect for family picnics, or plan to stay overnight in the adjacent dispersed camping site.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
2. Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
10 Reviews•57 Photos•408 SavesThis colossal lake is a sight to behold. The surrounding forested mountains appear to just drop into the lake, making for scenery reminiscent of majestic paintings by the late Bob Ross. The lake should be checked during migration and winter for waterfowl. At other times of the year, it could host great blue and green herons and, on occasion, a bald eagle or osprey may drop in to pick out a bass for dinner. The neighboring hillsides are heavily wooded and host many woodland birds. Pileated woodpeckers can be heard as their loud raucous call reverberates across the lake. American goldfinch twitter overhead and ruffed grouse and wild turkey stalk the roadsides. Careful exploration is sure to reward the butterfly enthusiast; tiger and spicebush swallowtail, question mark, silver-spotted skipper, and American painted lady have been spotted here. There is little reason to doubt why they frequent this site as Black Eyed Susan, milkweed, wild columbine, and Queen Anne’s lace abound. Note that because this lake serves as the main water supply for surrounding towns, swimming and gas motorboating are prohibited. Camping is restricted to areas further down Skidmore Fork Rd/Switzer Lake Rd with less accessible sites past the second river crossing. Be sure to secure any food overnight as black bears are known to frequent campsites in this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Flagpole Knob
7 Reviews•38 Photos•242 SavesForest Road 85 travels 3.6 miles to the summit of Flagpole Knob, wobbling along the top of the Alleghany Mountains following the border between Virginia and West Virginia. This high elevation access route brings the wildlife watcher into habitats not encountered elsewhere on the North River Loop of the Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
4. Little River Dispersed Campsites
6 Reviews•36 Photos•286 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Tent Cabin
5. Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area
4 Reviews•1 Photo•82 SavesHiking and fishing opportunities are abundant at Poor Farm Dispersed Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking trails that meander along the Jackson River, or break out that rod and reel as the trout stocked waters are popular amongst fly and traditional fishermen alike.
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
6. Hawk Nest Mushroom Farm
6 Reviews•10 Photos•51 SavesI grow mushrooms and sell them at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market. The camping area is about an acre and is beside the house. Park under a canopy of red cedar trees which are bug resistant so very few mosquitoes. Two fireplaces, first come first serve. No neighbors yet close to Harrisonburg. Free firewood. No curfews. Tent camping and conversion vans only. No RV's.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$25 - $30 / night
7. Seven Mile Campground
1 Review•27 Photos•24 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
8. Greenbrier River Trail MP 69.6
1 Review•22 Photos•20 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
9. Gatewood Group
1 Review•3 Photos•5 SavesOverview
Gatewood Group Campground is ideally located just two miles from Spruce Knob Lake in the Monongahela Forest, creating an ideal base camp for hikes and wildlife watching.
Recreation
With over 500 miles of hiking trails, visitors are have many options in the forest, including the Gatewood Nature Trail. With some of the most beautiful overlooks in the area, Spruce Knob Lake offers fishing and boating opportunities (fish are stocked). No swimming is allowed. Unobstructed views of the night sky bring stargazer clubs to this spot all summer long.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on a ridge in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The Monongahela Forest extends over the north central highlands of the state, encompassing many of the region's highest peaks. Elevations range from 1,000-4,863 feet, and Gatewood sits at 4,300 feet. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse national forests in the country.
Nearby Attractions
Spruce Knob, West Virginia's highest peak, lies just 9 miles from the campground. It overlooks forested ridges and grassy open pastures. Visitors can drive or hike to the top. Rock climbing is also a popular activity.
- Pets
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
$60 / night
10. McClintic Point Primitive Campground
2 Reviews•6 Photos•88 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Mcdowell
720 Reviews of 33 Mcdowell Campgrounds
- S
Sarah C.
Guide
Rivers Edge Campground
Lovely little spot
Family camping trip and we tagged along in our tent. We’ve been priced out of our area so pleased to find this hidden gem. A small, comfortable, family run campground that has enough amenities to keep the littles entertained and adults relaxing. We stayed in the tent area, which we had all to ourselves. Our site was on the river and able to pull our motorcycles right up. I do think if the tent area is full it will feel crowded. There’s a small bathroom attached to back of camp store nearby. Then the larger bathhouse down the way. The RV sites were flat, clean, in an open area. We will, for sure, be back.
SJ W.Guide
Reservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Very long road to get there
Went in August and it was very buggy, also had someone park pretty close which when I drive down a really long dirt road that is questionable for my van, i want it to be private and this was about 5 miles of dirt road to get to it.
- WWessel D.
Scout
Oronoco Campground
Great!
Loved this little campground. Nice and quiet, toilets available (though not very clean but good enough). Only thing is that there’s a dog, we think from a property nearby, that acts aggressive towards campers. Luckily it went home around 18h, so we had a great night, but it was back the next morning and immediately had aggressive behavior. So watch out and be careful with your food!
nancy B.Scout
Waynesboro North 340 Campground
Aftermath of the hurricane
My Rv sustained damage from a tree. The staff were awesome but the owner wasn’t. She wouldn’t even acknowledge me or say how sorry she was. Then she had me assigned to the worst site in the park. I have never been treated so terribly. She was only interested in her revenue and not the people.
- HHarold H.Scout
Natural Bridge-Lexington KOA
Natural Bridge KOA
Staff were friendly campground was nice with shade pull throughs and fairly level.
Tiel M.
Traveler
Morris Hill Campground
Decent, nice hosts
Nothing to write home about but it’s pretty. There’s a road that runs right in front that has some noise. Not all that different from most national forests, which isn’t bad.
- CChalang R.Traveler
Bolar Mountain Recreation Area
Amazing
Pretty much what a campground should be. Absolutely 0 service. No place to get ice if you’re out. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
- CChalang R.Traveler
Hone Quarry
Great for mid week
If you live in Harrisonburg, Bridgwater and any surrounding area, this place is amazing. Fair warning, this place is DARK DARK, but your campers, so. The campsites are clean, $5 a night will get you a place to stay. Payment box upfront. There’s a pond up the road to fish.
- CChalang R.Traveler
Eagle Rock Campground
Great for a night
Was coming back from fishing and need a place to sleep without paying for a hotel. Great place honestly. I don’t really have anything negative to say about it. At $10 and fishing, I’ll definitely be back.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Dispersed camping at Mower Basin
Beautiful views
Very quiet, beautiful views, amazing drive from VA. Multiple campsites and they all have beautiful views. I have T-Mobile and had signal only by the first campsite for some reason. I had no signal for almost two hours heading towards VA.
- WWaseem H.Guide
Switzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Quiet peaceful place
I didn’t find and good spots, but it was quiet and peaceful. I drove from there to flag pole. The trail was really fun and moderately difficult.
- BBobby B.Scout
Endless Caverns
Beautiful Resort
The resort is beautiful. Pulling up and checking in, a host takes you to your site. Sites are spacious and there's lots to do! We loved our site because we are the only one on the right side of the hill. I did not get any info email though which I had to contact about. Other than that, everything was great. Drove around the campground to see which other sites I would like to try and get! I def would return.
- MMarty T.Traveler
Bennie’s Beach Campground
Cool spot by the creek
Bennies has a cool spot by the creek for tent camping. I was the only one there - after having driven through the aging RV neighborhood. Check-in was mystical, but finally reached the groundskeeper by phone and left money in a mailbox. "$40 cash money..." Way overpriced considering the unsanitary (gross) showers and restrooms. I think I felt cleaner before the shower. If you don't need a shower and don't mind dropping $40 for a place to pitch your tent then Bennies may be for you.
- JJulieTraveler
Riverside Campground
Nice and quiet
I liked this campground -- most RV sites have electric, and water fill stations are easily accessible. Sites weren't too close together, and they were clean and well kept. Staff was also quite friendly and available. Note: It's in a valley, so there's no cell service. The wash houses have wi-fi, but it's not great and you have to be either in the building or sitting at the bench outside to use it.
- SSarah C.Guide
Brandywine Lake Campground — Shenandoah Wildlife Management Area
Drive on up to site!
Clean, comfortable campground with spacious sites. Some of the sites are very private, others are a little less. Some have bear boxes and some are a lot closer to bath house than others. There is a large overflow lot available and set up for campers. However, we went on a Monday night and only shared the campground with 4 other groups of campers. Hosts are on site and both friendly and informative. Hiking trails nearby and some start at campground. Lake is low but still good for swimming or floating. We had a very peaceful night, even with the rain. Recommend!
Jeff E.Traveler
Beaver Creek Campground
Great camping
I’ve stayed here at least a dozen times over the years. Nice sites for tent camping. Clear skies and a decent bathhouse.
- NNick A.Scout
Devil’s Backbone Camp
Robbery
$150 per night is crazy. Nothing special about the campground except proximity to devils backbone. This is a parking spot in a field with no trees and the sewer likely on the wrong side. There are no amenities. We’ve stayed many times but plan to go elsewhere going forward.
Jeremiah S.Guide
Harrisonburg - Shenandoah Valley KOA
KOA Newbie
This was our first KOA experience. I liked the pool, camp shop, and proximity to Massanutten water park. I also liked the size of site.
My wife didn’t care for the lack of grass (mostly gravel) or the guy who took us to site that worked there talking over her when she was helping me back in.
Most people know this but if a couple is backing in just let them figure it out.
Other than price and backing in annoyance, I thought it was good place and would go back.
Trisha G.ScoutEagle Rock Campground
♥️
We have been coming to Eagle Rock for years. Most of the people change every year but there are some that have permanent campers here. A few rude people this year but we still enjoyed our time. It doesn’t have all the amenities that some would want. If you enjoy roughing it then ER is worth camping at.
Chaz M.
Ranger
Misty Mountain Camp Resort
Fun for the family
This campground was really great for a family with small children. There were events the entire time we were there and the staff were awesome. The only detractors were that our site (52) was tiny so it was a tad stressful having kids running around right beside the road, the smell of weed that was prevalent (not the campground’s fault) and the motorcycle noise from the nearby interstate.
- GGabeGuide
Shenandoah Valley Campground
Nice place to stay
We spent 2 weeks at SVC while our trunk was in the shop(our travel trailer got towed there- highly recommend Good Sam Roadside policy). Everyone on staff was accomodating, helpful and friendly. Very nice campground ammenities- stocked fishing pond, big swimming pool, and really nice creek for tubing with waterfall to cool down on the hotter days, horseshoes, mini golf and more. The biggest negative is lack of cell service/internet. Luckily it's a short drive to get service. Weekends were packed(esp. Memorial Day), but much quieter during the week. Many sites are tight and no walking paths between rows so people regularly walk through occupied sites when it's crowded. Smaller negatives- some washer/dryers out of order and litter left by campers wasn't picked up. Overall, a nice place to stay.
Sumner C.GuideBennie’s Beach Campground
Amazing spot on north fork Shenandoah
We were the only campers on a giant spot right on the river. The grounds are well maintained and stunning. Water is crystal clear and everyone is respectful
Colletta & Co. 🤙.Traveler
Lee Hi Campground
A situation-dependent stopover
For $43.24 we got a pull through site with full hookups. However, we had to disconnect shore power because we kept tripping the 50A service even when we turned our draw down to 30A. As we head into 2 weeks of sewerless sites, this made sense for us to stop, shower, laundry, and top up on power and water. If you don’t have that sort of limitation ahead, this gas station truck stop likely isn’t worth your money.
Derek D.ScoutReservoir Road Dispersed Campsite
Primitive spot
Nice camping spots on the pedlar river in Amherst county. Multiple spots along reservoir rd.
Brad W.TravelerDevil’s Backbone Camp
Awesome spot
Great spot with clean facilities. Cell phones worked just fine. They are adding more electric sites. Walk to the brewery. Probably my favorite improved camp site for beer enthusiasts!
kylie B.GuideSwitzer Lake Dispersed Camping
Terrible road to get in
I drive a low vehicle so it probably wasn’t the best idea to make my way in but i was exhausted and needed to rest a couple days . The road was the worst and really not worth the drive in . The sites were trashy , glass, bullet holes in trees and bullet shells . The sites were fairly decent size but you really have to drive way in to get to them . I won’t stay here again although it was really beautiful on the drive out . The lake is gorgeous .
Lucy P.Ranger
North River Campground
Quiet and basic
Lots of bmx bikers, tucked far back in the woods so decent for privacy except that sites are basically in an open field.
Guide to Mcdowell
Camping near McDowell, Virginia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
What to do:
- Hiking: Enjoy the trails around Seneca Shadows. One camper mentioned, "There are many trails and a quick walk to the lake, where the stargazing is top notch."
- Fishing: Head to Spruce Knob Lake Campground for some fishing. A visitor shared, "The lake is beautiful. Our neighbor was catching nice fish out in his boat."
- Exploring Caverns: Check out nearby caverns like Seneca Caverns and Smokehole Caverns for a fun day trip. One camper noted, "Seneca Rocks was majestic and lots of fun outdoor areas to explore in the area."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Seneca Shadows. A reviewer said, "We got the perfect walk-in site in the open field with a view of Seneca Rocks from our tent."
- Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Douthat State Park Campground remarked, "The bathhouse was clean and modern."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground managers. One camper at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area said, "The camp manager was really chill."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Spruce Knob Lake Campground, have little to no cell service. A camper advised, "Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service."
- Primitive Camping: Some sites, such as Gandy Creek Dispersed Camping, are more rustic. A visitor noted, "This place is amazing. I could stay here every weekend and not get tired of it."
- Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Seneca State Forest mentioned, "It was raining most of my stay, so I was not able to fully experience the attractions."
Tips for camping with families:
- Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Douthat State Park Campground said, "The grandchildren love it! Great camping, nice beach and swim area."
- Quiet Times: Choose weekdays for a quieter experience. One camper at Shenandoah Valley Campground noted, "Weekends were packed, but much quieter during the week."
- Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as some campgrounds are remote. A visitor at Bolar Mountain Recreation Area advised, "There isn't much around, so bring your supplies with you."
Tips from RVers:
- Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier parking. A camper at Walnut Hills Campground & RV Park mentioned, "Sites are gravel and fairly level."
- Electric Hookups: Check for electric hookups if you need them. One RV traveler at Douthat State Park Campground said, "We had electric in Loop C, which was expected."
- Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise from other campers, especially on weekends. A visitor at Shenandoah Valley Campground noted, "Some of the guests were kinda rednecky... making me feel not totally at ease."
Camping around McDowell, Virginia, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mcdowell, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mcdowell, VA is Braley Pond Camping & Day Use Area with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mcdowell, VA?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Mcdowell, VA, with real photos and reviews from campers.